“It can be lonely, dangerous work, Deuce. Hang in there, get your education, and I’ll see what I can do when the time comes.” I sighed. “It’s hard. You’re the only one who listens to what I have to say.” Longshot dropped a gentle, comforting arm around my shoulders. “Then speak louder, girl. Don’t let them put out your spark.” For a long time, I stood in the circle of his arm and counted the stars. I ran out of numbers before brightness, and that felt like a promise of better days to come.
